Bake a Rainbow Cake!
by Amirah Kassem (Author) and Elisa Chavarri (Illustrator)
Booktalk: In this interactive board book, turn a wheel to mix the batter, lift a flap to open the oven, and pull a tab to frost the cake — then release the sparkly sprinkles!
All of a Sudden and Forever: Help and Healing after the Oklahoma City Bombing
by Chris Barton (Author) and Nicole Xu (Illustrator)
Booktalk: Sometimes bad things happen, and you have to tell everyone. Sometimes terrible things happen, and everybody knows. On April 19, 1995, something terrible happened in Oklahoma City: a bomb exploded, and people were hurt and killed. But that was not the end of the story. Those who survived–and those who were forever changed–shared their stories and began to heal. Near the site of the bomb blast, an American elm tree began to heal as well. People took care of the tree just as they took care of each other. The tree and its seedlings now offer solace to people around the world grappling with tragedy and loss.
Step 2. Think aloud
Talk about the book. How do you feel when something really bad happens? How do you feel when more bad things happen? Do you want someone to listen to you? Do you want someone to be with you — no matter what?
Step 3. Write it down
Write your own story about how you feel when something really bad happens and what you want to do afterwards.
Need help guiding your young writer? Use these age-appropriate writer’s workshop tips.